All You Need to Know About Radiant Cut Diamonds

Radiant cut diamonds are one of those designs that instantly catch your eye. They have the brilliance of a round diamond and the clean edges of an emerald cut, which makes them a favourite for people who want the best of both worlds. This cut is known for its bright sparkle, modern feel and versatility in jewellery designs. Whether you are looking for an engagement ring or a statement piece, a radiant cut diamond can be a beautiful choice.

A Brief History of the Radiant Cut

The radiant cut is a relatively new addition to the world of diamond cuts. It was introduced in the late 1970s by a master diamond cutter named Henry Grossbard. His goal was to create a diamond that had the sparkle of a round brilliant but with a square or rectangular shape. This combination was not common at the time, and it quickly became popular for its unique look and ability to hide inclusions better than many other shapes.

How the Radiant Cut Looks

The radiant cut has a rectangular or square outline with trimmed corners. It features 70 facets, which means there are many surfaces for light to bounce off, creating a beautiful sparkle. The cut blends the brilliance of a round diamond with the elegance of step cuts like emerald or Asscher cuts.

If you look closely, you will see that the radiant cut has a “crushed ice” effect inside the stone. This means the sparkle comes from many small reflections rather than large flashes of light. This style of brilliance can make the diamond look lively from every angle.

Why People Love Radiant Cut Diamonds

One of the biggest reasons people choose radiant cut diamonds is the way they shine. The combination of brilliant and step-cut facets means you get maximum sparkle without losing the clean geometric shape. They also tend to look slightly larger than other cuts of the same carat weight because of the way the shape spreads across the finger.

Radiant cut diamonds are also forgiving when it comes to inclusions and colour. The brilliant-style facets help hide small imperfections and make the diamond look brighter. This can be helpful if you want a diamond with great sparkle without having to go for the highest clarity grade.

Popular Shapes and Ratios

Radiant cut diamonds come in both square and rectangular shapes. The shape you choose comes down to personal preference. Square radiant cuts often look balanced and modern, while rectangular ones can create an elegant, elongated effect on the hand.

The length-to-width ratio is what decides the overall shape. Ratios close to 1.00 look square, while anything around 1.20 to 1.35 looks rectangular. Many people choose a ratio that suits their finger shape or the design of their jewellery.

Best Settings for Radiant Cut Diamonds

Radiant cut diamonds are versatile and look good in many types of settings. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Solitaire setting – Keeps the focus entirely on the diamond.
  

• Halo setting – Adds extra sparkle by surrounding the diamond with smaller stones.
  

• Three-stone setting – Perfect for creating a story with side stones that complement the centre diamond.
  

The trimmed corners of the radiant cut also make it less prone to chipping compared to pointed-corner cuts like the princess cut, which means it works well for active lifestyles.

How to Choose the Right Radiant Cut Diamond

When buying a radiant cut diamond, here are some points to keep in mind:

1. Cut quality
Cut is the most important factor for sparkle. While there is no official GIA cut grade for radiant cuts, you can still look for symmetry, polish and overall proportions.

2. Colour
Radiant cuts tend to show more colour than round diamonds, so if you want a bright white look, aim for a colour grade of H or higher. However, if you are going for a yellow or rose gold setting, you can choose a lower colour grade without it looking less beautiful.

3. Clarity
Because of the brilliant facet pattern, radiant cuts hide inclusions better than step cuts. This means you can often choose a slightly lower clarity grade and still have a diamond that looks flawless to the naked eye.

4. Carat weight
The shape of a radiant cut can make it appear larger than its actual carat weight. This is a great choice if you want maximum presence without going up too much in size.

How to select Radiant-cut Diamond for Engagement Rings

Radiant cut diamonds are loved for engagement rings because they offer a mix of sparkle, strength and unique style. They are perfect for someone who wants a ring that feels timeless yet modern. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Drew Barrymore have been spotted wearing radiant cut engagement rings, which has only added to their popularity.

Caring Tips for a Radiant Cut Diamond

Like all diamonds, a radiant cut will keep its sparkle if you clean it regularly. You can use warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove dirt and oil. Professional cleaning once or twice a year is also a good idea, especially if you wear your diamond every day.

Final Thoughts

Radiant cut diamonds are a wonderful choice for anyone who wants the brilliance of a round diamond with a more distinctive shape. They are versatile, durable and stunning in both simple and elaborate settings. Whether you choose a square or rectangular shape, the radiant cut offers beauty from every angle and is sure to remain a cherished piece for years to come.

At Emori, our collection of lab diamond radiant-cut rings is designed to highlight everything people love about this cut. From classic solitaires to intricate bridal sets, each piece is crafted to bring out the maximum beauty of the radiant cut, making it a perfect choice for those who want a diamond that shines in every light.